Question

spot the defective segment from the following
a) The downtrodden
b) needs
c) to be uplifted
d) on a war footing

explain and get 50 points

Answer 1

b) needs as it is a abstract noun,,,, but the others are referred to the needy, poor or helpless....

Answer 2

Answer :

This question is based on subject-verb agreement.

The defective segment from the given sentence 'The downtrodden  needs  to be uplifted on a war footing.' is b) needs.

Cambridge English Dictionary defines 'subject-verb agreement' as 'The person and number of the subject of the clause determine the person and number of the verb of the clause.'

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines 'the downtrodden' as 'people who are without hope because of being treated badly by powerful people, governments, etc.'

In the given sentence, 'the downtrodden' refers to a singular subject, so it will take the verb 'need' instead of 'needs.'